Cohiba Robusto (part of 3-pack)

[MaltPointer]

No pictures on this one, alas. I was more in the mood for a mellow smoking experience, without any additional responsibilities, so I just took notes while I smoked this lovely Cohiba Robusto, which came from a 3-pack I acquired fall of last year.

I actually accompanied this cigar with a Plymouth Gin Martini, which wouldn't exactly top the list of most pairing recommendations I've seen, but what can I tell you . . . I wanted a martini. And it was damn good.

Aroma at cold

* Mild funk

* Faint English tea

Pre-light draw (after center-punching with Swiss Army cigar knife)

* slightly loose, but still just fine

* grassy

Construction was excellent. Nice plume on the wrapper, tight Colorado wrapper. Toasted the foot, lit it up, and away we go.

First third

The predominant flavors, right off the bat, are nutty, spicy notes, with a slight creamy feel, and hints of sweet hay. There's something herbal in there, but I can't pin it down. The burn is perfect, body is medium, though the smoke volume is modest.

Second third

As we enter the middle part of the smoke, the flavors are very stable at first, but then a real see-saw battle ensues. In the one corner are the "cooked" flavors--nuts (almond?), spice, toast--and in the other corner are the "uncooked" flavors--grassy/hay, herbal.

At one point, the finish takes on a slight fennel/celery note.

All of this is quite pleasant, and I find myself wishing I'd bought more of these guys. And I gotta say . . . the citrus notes in the martini are playing very nicely here.

Final third

Ahhhhhh . . . . a subtle honey flavor enters the stage, and the sweeter, cooked flavors begin to prevail. By the end, I'm also reminded of lightly toasted graham crackers, but not in an over-the-top way. It's just hanging out there, on the edge of recognition, waiting to be teased out.

Overall

Great smoke. I'd give it a solid 90 as is. If I had any more, and I could stand to age them, I would only see the score getting better with age.

[aavkk]

Thanks for the great review. I liked the allusion to cooked vs uncooked, I can really relate to that.

[El Presidente]

Excellent review. The last week has confirmed to me that 07 Cohiba Robusto/Siglo IV and VI are very special cigars with potential to be greats. The Robuso and Siglo VI head the field.

[mailman]

» Excellent review. The last week has confirmed to me that 07 Cohiba

» Robusto/Siglo IV and VI are very special cigars with potential to be

» greats. The Robuso and Siglo VI head the field.

i have to agree, these robustos are simple outstanding! even my wifee agrees.:-D